GB2472469A - WEC with floats pivoted with 2 degrees of freedom - Google Patents

WEC with floats pivoted with 2 degrees of freedom Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2472469A
GB2472469A GB0917113A GB0917113A GB2472469A GB 2472469 A GB2472469 A GB 2472469A GB 0917113 A GB0917113 A GB 0917113A GB 0917113 A GB0917113 A GB 0917113A GB 2472469 A GB2472469 A GB 2472469A
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United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
wave energy
movable object
object type
type high
energy apparatus
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Granted
Application number
GB0917113A
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GB2472469B (en
GB0917113D0 (en
Inventor
Dong-Soon Yang
Byung-Hak Cho
Yong-Kwan Lee
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Korea Electric Power Corp
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Korea Electric Power Corp
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Filing date
Publication date
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Publication of GB0917113D0 publication Critical patent/GB0917113D0/en
Publication of GB2472469A publication Critical patent/GB2472469A/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of GB2472469B publication Critical patent/GB2472469B/en
Expired - Fee Related legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F03—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS; WIND, SPRING, OR WEIGHT MOTORS; PRODUCING MECHANICAL POWER OR A REACTIVE PROPULSIVE THRUST, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F03B—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS
    • F03B13/00—Adaptations of machines or engines for special use; Combinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatus; Power stations or aggregates
    • F03B13/12—Adaptations of machines or engines for special use; Combinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatus; Power stations or aggregates characterised by using wave or tide energy
    • F03B13/14—Adaptations of machines or engines for special use; Combinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatus; Power stations or aggregates characterised by using wave or tide energy using wave energy
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F03—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS; WIND, SPRING, OR WEIGHT MOTORS; PRODUCING MECHANICAL POWER OR A REACTIVE PROPULSIVE THRUST, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F03B—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS
    • F03B13/00—Adaptations of machines or engines for special use; Combinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatus; Power stations or aggregates
    • F03B13/12—Adaptations of machines or engines for special use; Combinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatus; Power stations or aggregates characterised by using wave or tide energy
    • F03B13/14—Adaptations of machines or engines for special use; Combinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatus; Power stations or aggregates characterised by using wave or tide energy using wave energy
    • F03B13/16—Adaptations of machines or engines for special use; Combinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatus; Power stations or aggregates characterised by using wave or tide energy using wave energy using the relative movement between a wave-operated member, i.e. a "wom" and another member, i.e. a reaction member or "rem"
    • F03B13/20—Adaptations of machines or engines for special use; Combinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatus; Power stations or aggregates characterised by using wave or tide energy using wave energy using the relative movement between a wave-operated member, i.e. a "wom" and another member, i.e. a reaction member or "rem" wherein both members, i.e. wom and rem are movable relative to the sea bed or shore
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F03—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS; WIND, SPRING, OR WEIGHT MOTORS; PRODUCING MECHANICAL POWER OR A REACTIVE PROPULSIVE THRUST, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F03B—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS
    • F03B13/00—Adaptations of machines or engines for special use; Combinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatus; Power stations or aggregates
    • F03B13/12—Adaptations of machines or engines for special use; Combinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatus; Power stations or aggregates characterised by using wave or tide energy
    • F03B13/14—Adaptations of machines or engines for special use; Combinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatus; Power stations or aggregates characterised by using wave or tide energy using wave energy
    • F03B13/22—Adaptations of machines or engines for special use; Combinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatus; Power stations or aggregates characterised by using wave or tide energy using wave energy using the flow of water resulting from wave movements to drive a motor or turbine
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F03—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS; WIND, SPRING, OR WEIGHT MOTORS; PRODUCING MECHANICAL POWER OR A REACTIVE PROPULSIVE THRUST, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F03G—SPRING, WEIGHT, INERTIA OR LIKE MOTORS; MECHANICAL-POWER PRODUCING DEVICES OR MECHANISMS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR OR USING ENERGY SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F03G7/00—Mechanical-power-producing mechanisms, not otherwise provided for or using energy sources not otherwise provided for
    • F03G7/04—Mechanical-power-producing mechanisms, not otherwise provided for or using energy sources not otherwise provided for using pressure differences or thermal differences occurring in nature
    • F03G7/05—Ocean thermal energy conversion, i.e. OTEC
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F05—INDEXING SCHEMES RELATING TO ENGINES OR PUMPS IN VARIOUS SUBCLASSES OF CLASSES F01-F04
    • F05B—INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO WIND, SPRING, WEIGHT, INERTIA OR LIKE MOTORS, TO MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS COVERED BY SUBCLASSES F03B, F03D AND F03G
    • F05B2240/00—Components
    • F05B2240/90—Mounting on supporting structures or systems
    • F05B2240/95—Mounting on supporting structures or systems offshore
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
    • Y02E10/30—Energy from the sea, e.g. using wave energy or salinity gradient

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Biodiversity & Conservation Biology (AREA)
  • General Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Oceanography (AREA)
  • Sustainable Development (AREA)
  • Other Liquid Machine Or Engine Such As Wave Power Use (AREA)

Abstract

A wave energy apparatus comprises floating bodies 118 which are connected together by a connection unit 101 which has two pivoted shafts 105, 106 to allow relative movement in 2 directions. The relative movement actuates hydraulic pumps 108 to supply fluid for electricity generation. The bodies may contain variable liquid column oscillators (figures 4-6) to enhance oscillation and hence power generation efficiency.

Description

MOVABLE OBJECT TYPE HIGH-EFFICIENCY WAVE ENERGY APPARATUS
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a movable object type wave energy apparatus having a plurality of floating bodies, and more particularly to a movable object type high-efficiency wave energy apparatus which further accelerates vibration of floating bodies according to vibration of waves to maximize electric power generation efficiency.
Description of the Related Art
Generally, a conventional wave energy apparatus is of a floating surface following type, wherein electric power is produced according to upward and downward movement of waves, with the result that the energy conversion efficiency is merely approximately 10%, which is very low. Also, the conventional wave energy apparatus has a defective measuring technology, with the result that it is very difficult to maintain safety of equipment in a windstorm or in abnormal weather.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the present invention, the above and other objects can be accomplished by the provision of a movable object type high-efficiency wave energy apparatus including floating bodies floating on a sea surface to convert upward and downward movement of waves generated by wind into electric energy, wherein one of the floating bodies and a neighboring one of the floating bodies are connected to each other via a coupler, the coupler includes left and right bodies, a horizontal rotary shaft and a vertical rotary shaft connected to each other via a middle hinge shaft to connect the left and right bodies to each other, ram connection units to connect accumulators mounted to the left and right bodies to the horizontal and vertical rotary shafts, and electric power converters having electric generators connected to the accumulators, connected to the respective ram connection units, via refrigerators mounted therein, the electric generators of the electric power converters disposed at the left and right bodies are connected to a concrete dock installed on the sea floor via a Vectran wire, and a submarine cable connected to the Vectran wire through the concrete dock supplies electricity to land via a power station and a power line.
The present invention enables a movable object type high-efficiency wave energy apparatus to be provided that is capable of accelerating upward and downward movement of floating bodies according to vibration of waves to convert kinetic energy obtained by amplifying the vibration into electric energy, preventing the deterioration in safety of the floating bodies which may be caused in a windstorm or in abnormal weather, eliminating the necessity of a mooring device to repair equipment, preventing the movement of the floating bodies, and transmitting electricity generated by the floating bodies through a submarine cable.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The above and other objects, features and other advantages of the present invention will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG. 1 is an overall construction view schematically illustrating a movable object type high-efficiency wave energy apparatus according to the present invention;
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FIG. 2 is an external view of a coupler to interconnect floating bodies according to the present invention; FIG. 3 is an enlarged view, partially cutaway, of FIG. 2; FIG. 4 is a view illustrating the floating bodies according to the present invention installed at a sea surface in a state in which the floating bodies are connected to one another via the corresponding couplers; FIG. 5 is an overall construction view illustrating one of the floating bodies according to the present invention; FIG. 6(A) is an enlarged view illustrating the floating body of FIG. 5 in a level state; FIG. 6(B) is an enlarged view illustrating the floating body of FIG. 5 in an inclined state in which the floating body is inclined at a predetermined angle; and FIGS. 7 to 10 are graphs related to the floating body of FIG. 5.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Now, a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 is an overall construction view schematically illustrating a movable object type high-efficiency wave energy apparatus according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is an external view of a coupler to interconnect floating bodies according to the present invention, and FIG. 3 is an enlarged view, partially cutaway, of FIG. 2.
The movable object type wave energy apparatus according to the present invention includes floating bodies 118 floating on a sea surface 100 to convert upward and downward movement of waves generated by wind into electric energy. One of the floating bodies 118 and a neighboring one of the floating bodies 118 are connected to each other via a coupler 101. The coupler 101 includes left and right bodies 103a and 1 03b, a horizontal rotary shaft 105 and a vertical rotary shaft 106 connected to each other via a middle hinge shaft 104 to connect the left and right bodies 103a and 103b to each other, ram connection units 108 to connect accumulators 107 mounted to the left and right bodies 103a and 103b to the horizontal and vertical rotary shafts 105 and 106, and electric power converters 111 having electric generators 110 connected to the accumulators 107, connected to the respective ram connection units 108, via refrigerators 109 mounted therein. The electric generators 110 of the electric power converters 111 disposed at the left and right bodies 103a and 103b are connected to a concrete dock 113 installed on the sea floor via a Vectran wire 112. A submarine cable 114 connected to the Vectran wire 112 through the concrete dock 113 supplies electricity to land via a power station 115 and a power line 116.
Each of the floating bodies 118 is formed in the shape of a hollow cylinder.
The front of each of the floating bodies 118 is formed in a streamline shape to minimize friction with waves. A connection ring 117 to convey each of the floating bodies 118 is provided at the front end of each of the floating bodies 118.
In each of the electric power converters 111, disposed in the left and right bodies 103a and 103b of the coupler 101, the ram connection unit 108 is connected to the corresponding accumulator 107 to convert rotational movement of the horizontal and vertical rotary shafts 105 and 106 rotating in the transverse direction and in the longitudinal direction of each of the floating bodies 118, respectively, into rectilinear movement. The ram connection unit 108 includes a plurality of rams.
The accumulator 107 connected to the ram connection unit 108 is configured to store operating oil compressed by the ram connection unit 108. The electric generator 110 is connected to the accumulator 107 to convert the compressed oil, stored in the accumulator 107, into electric power.
A generally known connection member for electric power transmission to transmit the electric power generated by the electric generator 110 is connected to the Vectran wire 112. In the Vectran wire 112 is installed a power transmission line, which is connected to the submarine cable 114. The Vectran wire 112 is formed of synthetic fiber which readily floats in water and is strong, and therefore, the Vectran wire 112 may also be used to prevent the movement of the floating bodies 118.
Also, a buoy 119 is connected to one end of the Vectran wire 112, having the corresponding floating body 118 connected to the other end thereof, such that the buoy 119 floats on a sea surface.
Meanwhile, the floating movable object type high-efficiency wave energy apparatus according to the present invention further includes a generally known remote monitor and a controller to control the remote monitor. The remote monitor and the controller are configured to communicate with an integrated monitoring and operation room via an electric power communication line. Also, a satellite navigation system may be installed to acquire location information.
FIG. 5 is an overall construction view illustrating one of the floating bodies 118 according to the present invention, FIG. 6(A) is an enlarged view illustrating the floating body of FIG. 5 in a level state, FIG. 6(B) is an enlarged view illustrating the floating body of FIG. 5 in an inclined state in which the floating body is inclined at a predetermined angle, and FIGS. 7 to 10 are graphs related to the floating body of FIG. 5.
A variable liquid column oscillator 102, to which each of the floating bodies 118 according to the present invention is applied, includes: a floating body 118 having a U-shaped tube 3 including a horizontal tube I and vertical tubes 2a and 2b
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communicating with each other through the horizontal tube 1, and air chambers 5a and 5b connected to the vertical tubes 2a and 2b, the air chambers 5a and 5b being isolated from each other about an isolation plate 4; an air tube 7 to connect the air chambers Sa and 5b to each other; three control valves CV1, CV0 and CV2 mounted on the air tube 7; pressure transformers 8a and 8b connected to the air chambers 5a and 5b, respectively, and a level transformer 9 connected to the vertical tube 2a; and a controller 10 to which the control valves CV1, CVç and CV2, the pressure transformers 8a and 8b, and the level transformer 9 are connected.
When the floating body 118 is at the sea surface 100 in a level state, i.e., in an equilibrium state, as shown in FIG. 6(A), the controller 10 controls air pressures Po of the air chambers 5a and Sb based on the amplitude and cycle of waves to improve energy absorption efficiency. On the other hand, when the floating body 118 is at the sea surface 100 in an inclined state, as shown in FIG. 6(B), the controller 10 controls the control valves CV1, CV0 and CV2 disposed between the air chamber 5a and the air chamber Sb to be opened and closed at a specific reference level Zs of internal operating liquid 11 contained in the U-shaped tube 3 based on the amplitude and cycle of waves to improve energy absorption efficiency.
Also, when frozen waves are generated, the controller 10 controls air pressures Po of the air chambers 5a and 5b such that the variable liquid column oscillator 102 applied to the present invention is operated in a tuned liquid column damper region to reduce excessive load applied from the frozen waves.
Meanwhile, a predetermined amount of the internal operating liquid 11 is contained in the U-shaped tube 3. Water or seawater may be used as the internal operating liquid.
Hereinafter, a control method of vibrating the floating body 118 with the above-stated construction, such that the floating body 118 is tuned to the cycle of waves, will be described in detail.
The control method includes a first control method of controlling air pressures Po of the air chambers 5a and 5b in an equilibrium state using the control valve CVI and CV2 of the air chambers 5a and 5b in a state in which the center control valve CV0 of FIG. 5 is closed and a second control method of nonlinearly controlling pressures of the air chambers 5a and 5b using the center control valve CV0 in a state in which the control valves CV1 and CV2 of the air chambers 5a and 5b are closed.
Both of the control methods are used to induce spring effects caused by compression and expansion of air to control a natural vibration cycle of the variable liquid column oscillator applied to the present invention.
First, a spring constant of an air spring according to the first control method is linearly proportional to air pressures Po of the air chambers 5a and 5b in an equilibrium state, on the assumption that an amount of air volume changed by the fluctuation in level of the internal operating liquid 11 is sufficiently small as compared with the volumes of the air chambers 5a and 5b.
When the air chambers 5a and 5b are under total vacuum, therefore, the spring constant is 0. With the increase in pressure of the air chambers 5a and 5b, the spring constant increases.
As a result, the air pressures Po of the air chambers 5a and Sb may be controlled by the control valves CV1 and CV2 connected to the air chambers 5a and Sb, respectively, without the provision of additional compression or vacuum pumps.
For example, when pressures of the air chambers 5a and 5b exceed atmospheric pressure due to the internal operating liquid 11 of the floating body 11 8, the control valves CV1 and CV2 are opened to discharge a predetermined amount of air
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to the atmosphere, with the result that air pressures Po of the air chambers 5a and 5b are kept below atmospheric pressure. On the other hand, when pressures of the air chambers 5a and Sb are lower than atmospheric pressure, the control valves CV1 and CV2 are opened to suction air from the atmosphere, with the result that air pressures Po S of the air chambers 5a and 5b are kept above atmospheric pressure.
In the second control method, the center control valve CV0 is opened and closed only under a specific condition based on the level of the internal operating liquid 11 to achieve air spring effects.
In the second control method, when the level of the internal operating liquid 11 contained in the vertical tubes 2a and 2b is higher or lower than a predetermined specific reference level Zs, the center control valve CV0 is rapidly closed to compress or expand air in the air chambers 5a and 5b by inertia force of the internal operating liquid 11, thereby achieving air spring effects.
For example, when all of the control valves CV1, CV0 and CV2 are closed in a state in which the floating body 118 is inclined at a predetermined angle by waves of seawater, as shown in FIG. 6(B), the internal operating liquid 11 contained in the vertical tube 2a compresses the air in the air chamber 5a, whereas the internal operating liquid 11 contained in the vertical tube 2b expands the air in the air chamber 5b, thereby generating force to restore the level of the internal operating liquid II to a level before the center control valve CV0 is closed.
In a region in which the level of the internal operating liquid 11 does not exceed a range of the predetermined specific reference level Zs, however, the center control valve CV0 is opened, and therefore, no air spring effects are induced. As a result, the internal operating liquid 11 freely moves in the U-shaped tube 3 without restriction.
Examples of the air springs derived from the first and second control methods are shown in FIG. 7, which illustrates the relationship between the air spring constants and the level of the internal operating liquid.
Meanwhile, FIG. 8 is a graph illustrating general open loop frequency response characteristics of the floating body 118 according to the present invention and a conventional movable object type wave energy apparatus.
In FJG. 8, a state of frozen waves means a state in which the movement of the internal operating liquid ii is forcibly restricted.
In the graph of FIG. 8, responses of the present invention and Frozen-I are results obtained by equalizing the coefficients of viscous friction for energy absorption.
The coefficient of viscous friction for energy absorption is generated by an electric generator installed at the rotation center C of the floating body 118, as shown in FIG. 6, to convert rotational energy into electric power.
It can be seen that, when a cycle of waves is between approximately 4 seconds and approximately 7 seconds, the response of the present invention is much less than the response of Frozen-i. The region in which the response of the present invention is much less than the response of Frozen-i is a tuned liquid column damper (TLCD) region. However, it can be seen that, when a cycle of waves exceeds approximately 7 seconds, the response of the present invention is much greater than the response of Frozen-i. The region in which the response of the present invention is much greater than the response of Frozen-i is applied to the present invention.
A cycle of waves generally generated in the ocean is between approximately 4 seconds and approximately 9 seconds. On the other hand, the open loop frequency response of the present invention includes the TLCD region existing between approximately 4 seconds and approximately 7 seconds. Therefore, it is necessary to
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avoid the TLCD region.
To this end, it is necessary to perform control including the above-mentioned air spring effects. As a result, a resonance cycle of the TLCD region is reduced to less than 4 seconds, and therefore, the response in a region having an effective cycle of waves is greater than the response of Frozen-i shown in the graph of FIG. 8.
Also, Frozen-2, shown in the graph of FIG. 8, is a response obtained when the coefficient of viscous friction for energy absorption is less than that of Frozen-i. It can be seen that a resonance cycle of the present invention is approximately 1.9 seconds in a state of frozen waves. On the other hand, a resonance cycle of the conventional apparatus is approximately 1.9 seconds in a state of frozen waves, which is considerably different from the effective cycle of waves, i.e., approximately 4 seconds to approximately 9 seconds. As a result, it is not possible to efficiently absorb energy.
FIG. 9 is a graph illustrating control frequency response characteristics of the present invention according to the first control method.
The greater the air pressures Po of the air chambers 5a and 5b are increased in an equilibrium state, the shorter a cycle of waves in which the TLCD region is formed is. When the air pressures Po of the air chambers 5a and 5b are appropriately adjusted according to such a cycle of waves, the response of the present invention according to the first method is always greater than the response in a state of frozen waves.
FIG. 10 is a graph illustrating control frequency response characteristics of the present invention according to the second control method.
It can be seen that the TLCD region is not shifted as in the control frequency response characteristics of the present invention according to the first control method; however, the higher the predetermined specific reference level Zs of vertical tubes 2a and 2b is, the greater amplitude of the response is in a short cycle of waves.
When the predetermined specific reference level Zs is appropriately adjusted according to a cycle of waves, therefore, the response of the present invention according to the second control method is always greater than the response in a state of frozen waves.
In the first control method of the present invention, the air pressures Po of the air chambers 5a and Sb when the floating body 118 is in an equilibrium state as shown in FIG. 6(A) are defined as control variables. In the second control method of the present invention, on the other hand, the predetermined specific reference level Zs of the vertical tubes 2a and 2b, at which the center control valve CV0 is opened or closed according to the level of the internal operating liquid 11 contained in the floating body 118, is defined as a control variable.
In addition to these control variables, the coefficient of viscous friction generated from the electric generator for energy absorption in a power operation serve as a variable greatly affecting the behavior of the variable liquid column oscillator according to the present invention.
In the power operation of the present invention, therefore, the air pressures Po of the air chambers 5a and Sb to absorb maximum energy in the amplitude and cycle of waves given according to the first and second control methods and the coefficient of viscous friction, or the predetermined specific reference level Zs and the coefficient of viscous friction, are calculated. Subsequently, these control variables are scheduled according to the amplitude and cycle of waves through the controller 10 described with reference to FIG. 5.
Meanwhile, simulations of the control methods applied to the present invention reveal that, when the first control method is applied to the present invention, the present invention absorbs 1.5 to 2.6 times more energy than a conventional energy absorption type wave energy apparatus in a wave condition such as in the ocean, and, when the second control method is applied to the present invention, the present invention absorbs 1.9 to 2.2 times more energy than the conventional energy absorption type wave energy apparatus in the same wave conditions.
As apparent from the above description, it is possible for the movable object type high-frequency wave energy apparatus according to the present invention to produce electric power using the variable liquid column oscillator even when the height of waves is low. In addition, it is possible to prevent the movement of the floating body and to transmit electricity generated from the floating body through the submarine cable using the Vectran wire instead of a conventional mooring device, thereby eliminating the necessity of an additional ocean structure.
Also, it is possible to convey the floating body to a seaside warehouse, when it is necessary to repair the apparatus or in a state of emergency such as abnormal weather, thereby achieving convenience and safety in repair. Furthermore, it is possible to operate the movable object type wave energy apparatus according to the present invention through remote monitoring and control, thereby improving operational efficiency.
Therefore, the present invention has much higher economy, safety, and operational efficiency than the conventional wave energy apparatus. In addition, the present invention has much higher function and effects than the conventional wave energy apparatus.

Claims (18)

  1. CLAIMS1. A movable object type high-efficiency wave energy apparatus comprising floating bodies floating on a sea surface to convert upward and downward movement of waves generated by wind into electric energy, wherein one of the floating bodies and a neighboring one of the floating bodies are connected to each other via a coupler, the coupler comprises: left and right bodies; a horizontal rotary shaft and a vertical rotary shaft connected to each other via a middle hinge shaft to connect the left and right bodies to each other; ram connection units to connect accumulators mounted to the left and right bodies to the horizontal and vertical rotary shafts; and electric power converters having electric generators connected to the accumulators, connected to the respective ram connection units, via refrigerators mounted therein, the electric generators of the electric power converters disposed at the left and right bodies are connected to a concrete dock installed on a sea floor via a Vectran wire, and a submarine cable connected to the Vectran wire through the concrete dock supplies electricity to land via a power station and a power line.
  2. 2. The movable object type high-efficiency wave energy apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each of the floating bodies is formed in the shape of a hollow cylinder, a front of each of the floating bodies is formed in a streamline shape to minimize friction with waves, and a connection ring to convey each of the floating bodies is provided at a front end of each of the floating bodies.S
  3. 3. The movable object type high-efficiency wave energy apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising a variable liquid column oscillator connected to each of the floating bodies.
  4. 4. The movable object type high-efficiency wave energy apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the variable liquid column oscillator comprises: a U-shaped tube comprising a horizontal tube and two vertical tubes; air chambers connected to the vertical tubes, the air chambers being isolated from each other; an air tube to connect the air chambers to each other; a control valve mounted on the air tube; and control valves connected to the air chambers, respectively.
  5. 5. The movable object type high-efficiency wave energy apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the U-shaped tube of the variable liquid column oscillator is filled with a predetermined amount of internal operating liquid.
  6. 6. The movable object type high-efficiency wave energy apparatus according to claim 5, wherein water or seawater is used as the internal operating liquid.
  7. 7. The movable object type high-efficiency wave energy apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a controller to achieve efficient energy absorption.
  8. 8. The movable object type high-efficiency wave energy apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the controller controls air pressures of the air chambers in an equilibrium state based on an amplitude and cycle of waves to improve energy absorption efficiency.
  9. 9. The movable object type high-efficiency wave energy apparatus according to claim 7 or claim 8, wherein the controller controls the control valves disposed betweenSthe air chambers to be opened and closed at a specific reference level of internal operating liquid based on an amplitude and cycle of waves to improve energy absorption efficiency.
  10. 10. The movable object type high-efficiency wave energy apparatus according to any of claims 7 to 9, wherein, when frozen waves are generated, the controller controls air pressures of the air chambers such that a variable liquid column oscillator is operated in a tuned liquid column damper (TLCD) region to reduce excessive load applied to the electric power converters.
  11. 11. The movable object type high-efficiency wave energy apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, in each of the electric power converters disposed in the left and right bodies of the coupler, the ram connection unit is connected to the corresponding accumulator to convert rotational movement of the horizontal and vertical rotary shafts rotating in a transverse direction and in a longitudinal direction of each of the floating bodies, respectively, into rectilinear movement, and the ram connection unit comprises a plurality of rams.
  12. 12. The movable object type high-efficiency wave energy apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the accumulators connected to the respective ram connection units are configured to store operating oil compressed by the respective ram connection units, and the electric generators are connected to the respective accumulators to convert the compressed oil, stored in the accumulators, into electric power.
  13. 13. The movable object type high-efficiency wave energy apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a connection member for electric power transmission connected to the Vectran wire to transmit the electric power generated by the electric generators.
  14. 14. The movable object type high-efficiency wave energy apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the Vectran wire is formed of synthetic fiber which readily floats in water, and a power transmission line connected to the submarine cable is installed in the Vectran wire.
  15. 15. The movable object type high-efficiency wave energy apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a buoy connected to one end of the Vectran wire.
  16. 16. The movable object type high-efficiency wave energy apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein each of the floating bodies comprises a remote monitor and a controller.
  17. 17. The movable object type high-efficiency wave energy apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the remote monitor and the controller are configured to communicate with an integrated monitoring and operation room via an electric power communication line installed in the Vectran wire.
  18. 18. The movable object type high-efficiency wave energy apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein each of the floating bodies comprises a satellite navigation system to acquire location information thereof.
GB0917113A 2009-08-07 2009-09-29 Movable object type high-efficiency wave energy apparatus Expired - Fee Related GB2472469B (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
KR1020090072895A KR101133671B1 (en) 2009-08-07 2009-08-07 High efficiency wave energy apparatus

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
GB0917113D0 GB0917113D0 (en) 2009-11-11
GB2472469A true GB2472469A (en) 2011-02-09
GB2472469B GB2472469B (en) 2011-11-23

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GB0917113D0 (en) 2009-11-11
US8304925B2 (en) 2012-11-06

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